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Stecker feels that the council is going to face many different challenges in this upcoming year.

"I think the city is facing a number of challenges heading into this year and in the upcoming years. I think there are going to be a lot of opportunities too, so I think my role will be helping them find ways to take advantage of those opportunities and find ways around the problems we are going to face."

One of the biggest problems Stecker believes that the city will be facing is a tight budget.

"I am excited. I am looking forward to the challenge and getting to work more closely with the current administration," said Stecker.

Stecker feels that when it comes to the law director position, he has big shoes to fill. The previous law director Dan Fry held the position for 30 years, and Stecker believes if he wasn't doing a good job, he would have not been in that position for that long.

Stecker graduated from The Linsly School in 1996 and obtained his BSBA from The Ohio State University in 2000, cum laude. After graduation, Stecker worked as an accountant for three years, and he knew he wanted to go back to law school.

"It was always my plan to leave and go back to law school, and when the opportunity came about, I did," said Stecker. "Most of my clients are business owners, small to medium size businesses, so I really enjoy working with and helping them find solutions to their problems."

Stecker earned his law degree in 2006, after graduating cum laude from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

He came back to the area because of his family. Stecker felt that Martins Ferry would be a great place to raise his five- and three-year-old sons. Most of Stecker family, including his parents, still live here today.

"I think the reward (of being law director) is being able to help the citizens here, getting to make the place better, which I think is the current administration goal that they are striving to achieve, and I hope I am able to help them in doing that."

Stecker serves as the treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Belmont Technical College Foundation and is a member of the Martins Ferry Lions Club.

"We are pleased that Paul Stecker returned to his hometown to open his law practice. Stecker is a young and energetic individual who comes from a great family that has historical ties to Martins Ferry," said Martins Ferry Mayor Paul Riethmiller. "I am confident that Stecker will represent and serve our city with outstanding integrity and passion, while working with the current administration and city council to move our city forward. We are excited to have him as our newest team member as we strive to serve the residents of our great city."